Dubai’s DXB Expects 100M Passengers in 2026 as Demand Stays Hot and Capacity Tightens

Dubai Airports said Dubai International Airport (DXB) is forecast to handle 99.5 million passengers in 2026, close to the 100-million mark. The airport handled a record 95.2 million passengers in 2025, up 3.1 percent from 2024. The operator said 2025 brought DXB’s busiest day, month, quarter, and year on record—evidence that the hub is growing while operating near its physical limits.

What’s driving growth

DXB’s growth is being driven by strong demand in key markets and Dubai’s role as a significant global connector. The CEO of Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, said that popular markets such as China still show significant upside.

At the same time, India, Saudi Arabia, and the UK remain among the airport’s most important sources of traffic. Dubai’s visitor economy is also expanding: official tourism reporting puts international overnight visitors in 2025 at about 19.59 million, helping fill flights and support more routes. For airlines and travelers, the headline is simple: more connections through a mega-hub, but less slack when disruptions hit.

Faster processing at DXB, more capacity at Al Maktoum

In the near term, Dubai Airports says it is investing in advanced hand baggage screening to keep passengers moving through security as volumes rise. On the network side, Griffiths said Riyadh Air is expected to start flying to DXB “over the next few months,” adding competitive pressure and new connecting options on Gulf routes.

The larger-capacity fix is long-term: Dubai is expanding Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) under a $35 billion plan to reach 150 million passengers a year in the next decade and up to 260 million when complete; Dubai has signaled that more flying will eventually shift there as demand outgrows DXB.

Meanwhile, London Heathrow said it handled a record 84.5 million passengers in 2025, keeping its position as Europe’s busiest airport.

Photo by Ashim D’Silva on Unsplash